Award-wining tour operator, Shearings Holidays, has launched its new 2017 River Cruise programme, showcasing its impressive collection of river cruises across Europe.

The new full-colour brochure features 14 new itineraries and a brand new design with stronger imagery to convey the tranquillity and beauty of the destinations we visit.

Three new itineraries were added on board the hugely popular four-star MS Serenade 2, including a 10-day 'Beautiful Bavaria to the Danube River' cruise from £1299 and a 10-day 'Hidden Gems of the Danube' itinerary, which visits three countries including Austria, Slovakia and Hungary.

Shearings has also updated its selection of 'Exclusive to Shearings' cruises, adding a new 10-day itinerary on board the MPS Da Vinci, 'The Rhine, Strasbourg & Scenic Switzerland' and a wonderful sailing exploring Holland's Hidden Gems on-board the popular MPS Rotterdam.  The brochure also introduces a relaxing new cruise aboard the welcoming MV Virginia, which uncovers the best of the Moselle Valley.

Furthermore, and in-line with customer feedback, Shearings has expanded its mini-cruise range, with the addition of a 5-day 'Keukenhof Gardens Mini-Cruise' from £384pp , a 6-day 'Scenic Swiss Rhine Mini-Cruise' from £619pp, and a 6-day 'Escape to Provence Mini-Cruise' from £664pp. These tours are ideal for customers looking to experience cruising for the first time, or enjoy a short-break to Europe.

Caroline Brown, Commercial Director at Shearings Holidays said: “Our programme offers customers flexibility with travel options by air, rail or coach from over 300 joining points, in-addition to tailor made itineraries to a host of stunning destinations”

“The ongoing rise in bookings and high customer volumes has given us the confidence to continue investing in different aspects of the business.

In 2017, customers can choose from five exclusively chartered vessels, part charters as well as taster mini cruises with a comprehensive selection of tours along breathtaking waterways. We've also added a cruise along Russia's Imperial Waterways and introduced audio guides on all our 2017 vessel ships”. 

Shearings programme also features two tours on-board the MS Mona Lisa, a 14-day 'Elbe Amsterdam to Berlin' cruise, sailing along the Dutch & German Waterways and a 12-day 'Beautiful Berlin to Wonderful Copenhagen' cruise, sailing Havel, Oder, & The Baltic Sea. 

There are also new tours along the panoramic Adriatic coast, the striking Rhone, and the charming Baltic Sea Coast, plus more choice and capacity on the Douro River and Venice Lagoon, with an updated collection of 'Escorted by Shearings' cruises.

What's more, agents can offer customers the opportunity to tailor-make their holiday to get even more of their cruise with a range of perfectly paired cruise experiences, as well as 24 pre and/or post cruise destinations to choose from including Lisbon and Dubrovnik.

Agents have the chance to earn £25 per passenger in Love2Shop vouchers for every River Cruise booking that they make before 31st August 2016. Completed forms must be returned to sales.support@shearings.com with Plain Sailing in the title, or sent by post to Sales Support Dept, Shearings Holidays, Miry Lane, Wigan, WN3 4AG.

Customers who book by the 14th November can also save up to £100 per couple!

For more information see www.shearings.com  or call our trade helpline on 01942 823 449

Sample tours include:

NEW - Beautiful Bavaria to the Danube River by Coach/Air/Rail – 10 days from only £1299pp

This new itinerary sails along the magnificent Main-Danube Canal on board the 4 star MS Serenade 2, admiring spectacular riverscapes.

Ship – MS Serenade 2

Highlights includes a visit to the scenic town of Wurzburg and Bamberg's UNESCO Old Town, famous for its Baroque architecture, and a panoramic tour of Nuremberg as well as a visit to Regensburg

Price includes luxury return coach travel, seven nights' full board cruise, services of a Shearings cruise Manager, on-board entertainment programme, and two included excursions

Departures available May 2017

Booking information: Visit www.shearings.com or phone 0844 209 7143

Web link: http://www.shearings.com/holidays/beautiful-bavaria-to-the-danube-river-air

NEW - Rhine, Strasbourg & Scenic Switzerland by Coach/Air/Rail – 10 days from £1194pp

Sailing along the splendid Rhine, our river cruise will take in this mighty river's finest sights, as we make our way through Germany, into France, and then to Switzerland. Admire beautiful riverscapes and captivating towns and cities, including Bonn, Rudesheim, Strasbourg and Basel.

Ship - MPS Da Vinci

Highlights include the Ahr Valley's enchanting landscape, a visit to Strasbourg and Bonn, Beethoven's hometown, as well as time in Speyer, one of Germany's oldest cities

Price includes seven nights full-board cruise, overnight stays on outbound and return journeys, services of a Shearings cruise manager, evening entertainment, two included excursions and luxury return coach travel

Departures June 2017

Booking information: Visit www.shearings.com or phone 0844 209 7143

Web link: http://www.shearings.com/holidays/rhine-strasbourg-scenic-switzerland

NEW - Holland's Hidden Gems by Coach/Air/Rail – 8 days from £944pp

Sail away on a wonderful river cruise, travelling along Holland's famous waterways. This excellent holiday discovers Holland's mesmerising springtime scenery, as we admire beautiful views on a relaxing steam train journey, and visit Het Loo Palace and Gardens.

Ship - MPS Rotterdam

Highlights include Arnhem, famous for its bridge; picturesque Nijmegen, one of the Netherlands oldest cities and vibrant Amsterdam, the Dutch capital.

Price includes seven nights' full-board cruise, on-board evening entertainment programme, a choice between and luxury return coach travel

Departures April 2017

Booking information: Visit www.shearings.com or phone 0844 209 7143

Web link: http://www.shearings.com/holidays/holland-hidden-gems